Hong Kong Nightlife | Bars, nightclubs, & live music

Lan Kwai Fong

Drinkers will like Hong Kong. Even though most bars close around 2am, many other bars and nightclubs don’t close down until late into the night (well, at least a lot later than in the US). In fact, I don’t even think there’s a mandatory last call since I know of some clubs that stay open until 5am or later (oh, those were the days…). Lan Kwai Fong in Central is the place to get your drink on; it’s where the main nightlife action is, attracting ex-pats, locals and tourists. Head uphill on Wyndham Street to SoHo for more options, although the area has more restaurants than bars (or take the Mid-Level Escalators instead of walking up the steep incline).

Or if you’re looking for a mellower (and cheaper) drinking vibe, head to Wan Chai.

One downside to staying in Kowloon is that the last MTR trains (and Star Ferry) are at 1am at the latest. But of course, there are Kowloon drinking options as well, which tend to be populated more by locals, if that’s your thing. Most nightlife options are in Tsim Sha Tsui, around Knutsford Terrace (alley north of Kimberley Road), where you’ll see lots of restaurants & bars with lots of mellow outdoor seating.

Happy Hours can be found in most bars and some clubs, from about 4pm-8pm.

For the most up-to-date Hong Kong entertainment and goings-ons, check out:

Hong Kong Magazine (www.asia-city.com.hk)

Time Out (www.timeout.com.hk)

bc magazine (www.bcmagazine.net)

China Mike’s collection of Hong Kong’s best entertainment (as rated by the major travel guides):

[ NOTE: Open Google Map in another window to view all locations in left menu]

BEST BARS: HONG KONG ISLAND

Lily (Time Out HK’s 2010 “Best New Bar”)
2810-6166
6/F, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham St, Central
www.lily-bloom.comTime Out magazine: “It’s ironic that a bar based partly on America’s prohibition era should inspire such wild enthusiasm in our alcohol-abundant city. But Lily, together with its sister restaurant Bloom, has become Hong Kong’s most talked about new drinking den, and for good reason. Based on 1920s speakeasies, Lily has taken mixed drinks to a new level, specialising in classic cocktails with a twist, from Old Fashioneds and Southsides to our favourite, the Periodista, serving them up in a cool yet relaxed hotspot.”

Club 71
2858-7071
Basement, 67 Hollywood Road, Central
Mon-Sat 3pm-2am / Sundays 6pm-1am
Formerly Club 64 but relocated to a quiet alley, Club 71 is described by L. Planet as “once again one of the best drinking spots for non-poseurs.” Look for small footpath off either Peel St or Aberdeen St. Happy Hour 3-9pm.

Pawn
2866-3444
62 Johnson Road, Wan Chai
11am-lateLP: “hot new place in Wan Chai” with a huge range of beers and wines.

Bohemian Lounge
2526-6099
3-5 Old Bailey Street, Central
4:30pm-lateLP: “Suitably bohemian décor and live jazz make this a fun place to hang out”

BEST BARS: KOWLOON

Aqua Spirit (New York Times’ Pick)
852/3427 2288
1 Peking Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui
Sun-Thurs 5pm-2am / Fri & Sat 5pm-3am
www.aqua.com.hkNYT: “A hip local crowd drinks at this bar and restaurant complex high in an office building. Snag a comfy sofa and place your Aquatini (Ketel One vodka, lychee liqueur, Chambord and gold leaves) on a glowing blue table. .” Frommer’s: “This glam venue is one of Hong Kong’s hottest bars, due in no small part to its unbeatable location on the 30th floor of a Tsim Sha Tsui high-rise…note the minimum drink charge of HK$150.”Felix (Fodor’s Choice)
2315-3188 / 2920-2888
28th Floor, Peninsula Hong Kong Hotel, Salibury Rd, TST
6pm-2amLP: “Swanky…amazing views and expensive drinks.” Fodor’s: “Not only has a brilliant view of the island, but the interior was designed by the visionary Philippe Starck. Don’t forget to check out the padded mini-disco room. Another memorable feature is the male urinals, situated right by glass windows overlooking the city.”

BEST LIVE MUSIC

Hidden Agenda(Time Out HK’s 2010 “Best Music Venue”)6/F, Ko Leung Bldg, 25 Tai Yip St, Kwun Tong
www.hiddenagendahk.comTime Out magazine: “It seems so appropriate that one of our most influential underground venues should reside in a hard-to-find industrial space. After moving from its previous Kwun Tong location earlier this year, Hidden Agenda has endeavoured to create a proper livehouse unlike anything in the city. International and local acts are now regulars at the grittily charming venue, and having hosted the likes of Go Chic, Caspian and Noughts and Exes album launch party, as well as the odd jazz gig and club night, this year, we’re thoroughly excited about what 2011 might bring.”

Wanch (Time Out HK’s 2010 “Best Music Venue”– Runner-up)
2861-1621
54 Jaffe Rd, Wan Chaiwww.myspace.com/thewanchhk
4pm-2amLP: “Small venue…mostly rock & folk seven days a week…with the occasional solo guitarist thrown in.” Time Out HK: “In many ways, The Wanch is the beating heart of Hong Kong’s independent music scene. The diminutive Wan Chai bar has long been a magnet for music lovers, but since John Prymmer and his team took ownership earlier this year, they’ve turned it up a notch, hosting frequent showcases and top local bands.”